2019: EFCC Moves Against Money Laundering, Vote Buying

The Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Magu, says the Commission has put in place measures that will make money laundering and vote buying difficult during the 2019 general elections.

Speaking yesterday at an interactive session with journalists in Lagos, he said the commission, in collaboration with other global security agencies, was keeping tabs on the movement of money to and out of the country.

He said the mechanisms put in place would make it difficult for politicians to engage in money laundering ahead of the elections.

“Let me state upfront that we are apolitical at the EFCC. However, the concern of EFCC is with those who seek to use the political space for money laundering. We would enforce the provisions of the anti-money laundering law to the letter, no matter whose ox is gored.

“With other international security organisations, we are all partners. We are interested in this. Most countries being used as destinations for stolen money and properties are worried because issues like this are dents on their reputations. So, if any politician doubt us, he or she can dare us by moving money in or out, “ Magu said.

On vote-buying, the EFCC boss said: “As the next general election approaches, voter inducement portends a grave danger to our fledgling democracy. This shameful act is another manifestation of corruption. In other words, the monetization of the electoral process must be frowned on because it can impact negatively on the future of the country.

“Let us vote in leaders based on the programmes their programmes and priorities not on how much they are able to pervert the system,” Magu said.

He also revealed that as of November 30, 2018, the commission had secured a total of 246 convictions.

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